I just had a conversation with a friend who was one of those who were badly hit by Ondoy's fury. Having had no communication since that fateful Saturday, I was simply too eager to know how things were going for him.
But in reply to my "kumusta?", he chided me for not giving him any form of assistance - and further noting that I did send little "somethings" only to my relatives. Taken aback, I meekly replied that I really am not in a position to give to every one, as their place is veritably an extension of our town. That means a lot of people that I have close connections with, many of whom in fact have sent me feelers for help.
Not that I haven't lifted a finger to help. Truth is, I have initiated a fund drive that has by far mobilized quite a respectable sum that was eventually distributed to as many kababayans we could reach.
But I do understand where my friend was coming from. He and the other victims have every right to harbor resentments. For indeed, in times of deep misery, we count on our friends for help and it is frustrating to realize that it's not coming in the form we expect. In a time when everyone is down, it is undeniably painful to see some people getting more support than the others who were similarly devastated.
Those of us who were spared the deluge will never fathom the workings of the psyche of those who went through the ordeal of barely surviving and then realizing that all their possessions were lost. All we could do now is try to understand and help in whatever way our capacities would allow. It's just too sad that in incidents of catastrophic proportions like Ondoy's, what we can extend in our own little way will never be enough.
P.S.
It is in times like these when I pray I'd win the lottery (unfortunately though, I'm not really into betting).
But in reply to my "kumusta?", he chided me for not giving him any form of assistance - and further noting that I did send little "somethings" only to my relatives. Taken aback, I meekly replied that I really am not in a position to give to every one, as their place is veritably an extension of our town. That means a lot of people that I have close connections with, many of whom in fact have sent me feelers for help.
Not that I haven't lifted a finger to help. Truth is, I have initiated a fund drive that has by far mobilized quite a respectable sum that was eventually distributed to as many kababayans we could reach.
But I do understand where my friend was coming from. He and the other victims have every right to harbor resentments. For indeed, in times of deep misery, we count on our friends for help and it is frustrating to realize that it's not coming in the form we expect. In a time when everyone is down, it is undeniably painful to see some people getting more support than the others who were similarly devastated.
Those of us who were spared the deluge will never fathom the workings of the psyche of those who went through the ordeal of barely surviving and then realizing that all their possessions were lost. All we could do now is try to understand and help in whatever way our capacities would allow. It's just too sad that in incidents of catastrophic proportions like Ondoy's, what we can extend in our own little way will never be enough.
P.S.
It is in times like these when I pray I'd win the lottery (unfortunately though, I'm not really into betting).
10 comments:
yeah, we had to understand them for their dwellings...but we do hope, at some point in time, they get to realize that we have done something to help them. it would be really sad if some will hold grudges on us without even trying to listen to what we have to say...
Nah... well for me a friend should not impose rules nor to let you feel you are oblige to help them in times of despair at all times... If you help, good, if not don't impose... well to each his own... hayz
as they say... be a cheerful giver. give it as you want and no one's oblige. i agree with xprosaic
agree with Xprosaic too.. kaya lang, naiintindihan ko rin yung sentimyento ng kaibigan mo. hindi rin natin siya masisi. naging vocal lang siguro talaga siya..
As much as we want to help everyone, there's only so much we can do.
That's one manifestation of a "welfare state" mentality coupled with clannish thinking. With that as factors, I understand his sentiments. But if he had known better, he shouldn't have impose or oblidge you.
In desperate times after a calamity, people seek desperate measures. But with so many people needing help, those in the position to help can only do as much. You've done your part, that's it.
Sad...but indeed we can't help everybody... even if you won the lotto !
ay. gumaganun yung friend mo?
A chubby wise man told me that we should help people in this order:
1. Our family and relatives, even those we don't like. Family first ika nga.
2. Friends.
3. People near our area.
We know some people who'd rather help out total strangers and refused to help relatives in need.
And when other "friends" ask why you didn't help them, just say that they weren't the only ones needing help. Your family and other friends were needing help too.
Post a Comment